By Rosanna Apps

Music serenaded the opening of a new café for people with dementia in Kemp Town

The project funded by the Alzheimer Society in Brighton, opened its first evening for people with dementia and their carers.

Monthly gatherings are planned at Café in the Crypt in St George’s Church, is to provide support and a fun environment for those suffering with alzheimers and dementia.

Café co-ordinator Janis Simmonds said: “It is for people to do something normal, have fun and even learn something.” 

Her  goal is to provide a service where people can meet others and build their own social networks.

Miss Simmonds wants to work closely with the community including working with VI form psychology and health students who are interested in this field.

She recently left her teaching job to return to care work.

Brighton Alzheimer Society support services manager Sophie Mackrell, said: “We want people to be able to share low key information and give the right advice in an informal and fun setting.”

Volunteers lay on a spread of sandwiches cake and drinks for the guests and who listened to a trumpeter playing in the corner.

Bobbie Osterley who has lived in Brighton for 31 years has Alzheimers said: “Everyone seems to be enjoying it. They all seem nice and friendly. I think I will come again.”

She went on to say how important it is to socialise with the help and support of the Alzheimer’s Society.

Plans are to a monthly cafe for the next year with plans to open a second in Hove.